AI-Driven Sustainable Procurement Management in Supply Chains: A Systematic Literature Review, Research Gap Analysis, and Future Directions

ABSTRACT: Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming procurement through intelligent automation, predictive analytics, real-time decision support, and data-driven supplier management, creating new opportunities to advance sustainable supply chain performance. Yet, research on AI-driven sustainable procurement management remains fragmented across the AI, procurement, and sustainable supply chain domains, limiting theoretical integration and a systematic understanding of how AI-enabled capabilities can generate sustainability value. This study addresses this gap through a systematic literature review (SLR) of peer-reviewed studies published between 2011 and 30 June 2026. The review synthesizes the evolution and intellectual structure of the field across AI technologies and capabilities, procurement applications, sustainability dimensions, supply chain resilience, theoretical perspectives, methodological approaches, and contextual conditions. The findings show that existing research is primarily concentrated on technology adoption, process automation, predictive analytics, and operational efficiency, while comparatively limited attention has been directed toward the organizational, relational, and governance mechanisms that shape the translation of AI capabilities into sustained and multidimensional sustainability outcomes. The research-gap analysis identifies important deficiencies in end-to-end procurement integration, AI capability maturity, data governance and interoperability, predictive sustainability risk management, responsible supplier management, human–AI collaboration, explainability and accountability, contextual boundary conditions, and comprehensive sustainability measurement. In response, the study develops an integrative future research agenda that moves beyond technology adoption toward capability development, responsible AI governance, resilient procurement ecosystems, and measurable sustainability value creation. By integrating fragmented streams of research and clarifying the relationships among AI capabilities, procurement processes, and sustainable supply chain outcomes, this study advances the conceptual foundations of AI-driven sustainable procurement management. It provides a structured basis for cumulative scholarship and evidence-informed managerial practice.